April A to Z Challenge: S

Her arms ached and a blister was forming on her palm when they came upon the sandbar. It didn’t even qualify as an island, it was so small. Just a tiny rise of sand lifting out of the waters, enough to provide dry footing for the three of them, and a narrow perch for their kayaks. Sam was grateful for it though, as she stepped out of the small boat, feeling the stiffness in her legs as she stood straight and then stretched for the sky. It felt good. They needed a break. Kayaking was hard work if you were going any distance.

“Don’t suppose this is on any map,” Leith said.

“It’s probably submerged half the time,” Amanda said.

“Naw, look at how dry this sand is.” Leith said.

Sam scrutinized the sandbar’s edges, as if looking could glue them more securely into place. The water lapped gently on the sand surrounding them. The tides might turn at some point, but the sandbar seemed perfectly secure for now. She relaxed, and sat down cross legged on the sand, closing her eyes to enjoy the wan spring sun as it warmed her face. Leith and Amanda continued to bicker about the sandbar and it’s chances of staying dry through the changing tides. Their voices faded into the background as Sam rested. She felt the weight of her body pressing into the sand. She felt the warmth of the sun on her skin. She heard the gentle lapping of the water, and smelled the sharp scent of salt water on the breeze. She stilled, taking in all of these sensations.

As she sat, Sam gradually became aware of a slight buzzing sensation rising within her. She recognized the sensation. She had felt it this morning, briefly, as they kayaked over open water. It was unlike anything she had ever felt at home. A surge of excitement shot through her as it occurred to her to wonder whether it could be related to the strange light she had been seeing, which also seemed to give off a certain buzz-like resonance. The sensation faded abruptly as her suddenly alert mind began probing the buzz, trying to discern it’s secrets. She opened her eyes. Amanda and Leith had fallen silent. They were both staring at her.

I've challenged myself to create a writing prompt and write a short response to it each day of April as part of the A to Z blogging challenge. Read more about the A to Z blogging challenge here. Thanks for reading!